Is Moderate Drinking Good For You, Part IIWritten by Loring A,. Windblad
Author’s note: here we begin Part II. This was necessary due to GoArticles restriction on article length, this being completion of first section, Part I.How alcohol might protect heart There are several plausible biological mechanisms by which modest alcohol consumption might lower coronary heart disease risks. In short term, alcohol can reduce formation of blood clots that block arterial bloodflow (leading to heart attacks) by diminishing blood platelet aggregation and altering action of fibrinogen (an enzyme necessary for clotting). The immediate action of alcohol is antithrombitic -- decreasing blood's clotting power in much same way that ASA (Aspirin) protects against heart attacks. In long run, modest alcohol intake gradually curtails build-up of atherosclerotic plaque on artery walls and helps raise levels of high-density lipoproteins -- HDL or "good" cholesterol -- which removes cholesterol from bloodstream and eliminates it via liver. Alcohol may also help preserve vitamin E and other antioxidants in cell membranes. Narrow "window of benefit” for alcohol drinkers The influence of alcohol in reducing heart attacks occurs only within a narrow range or small "window" of modest consumption. Cardiac protection from alcohol only occurs with low-level drinking -- at intakes of two or fewer drinks per day (and not every day) and only in people over age 35-40. Women's are much more sensitive to alcohol Although fewer women than men are heavy drinkers, women are more susceptible to damage from alcohol at lower levels. At a given dose per body weight, women suffer more harmful effects than men, except, of course, for knowns benefits of a glass of beer a day during pregnancy – but only for “some” women, not for all women “across board”. Pregnant women advised to refrain from drinking Except as noted previously, and then only on advice of your doctor, women who drink alcohol while pregnant, especially more than one drink a day, can harm developing fetus. Pregnant women are advised to abstain from alcohol (except as previously noted) because of risk of birth defects and fetal alcohol syndrome. Even though some medical professionals recommend moderate drinking for some few patients, health authorities in general do not encourage drinking in any amount. Beware slippery slope of addiction Addiciton – status of having become alcohol-dependent. Some people who start with one or two glasses a day, gradually increase this amount until they are consuming many drinks a day with all attendant consequences. Some reach a "point of no return" where they find it impossible to cut back or do without their (several) daily drinks. There is a real risk factor involved in consumption of alcohol and that is “Addiction” – becoming an alcoholic!
| | Treating Sinus InfectionsWritten by Paul Hood
Sinusitis is an ailment afflicting almost 31 million Americans each year. It brings much discomfort making it very much important to find a suitable cure for this condition. It is an infection of sinuses, passages that lie behind your cheeks, nose, and eyes. Colds, viruses, and allergies often leave sinuses vulnerable to infection. Sinusitis may also result from an infected tooth, swimming, a disease in sinuses, or an injury to sinuses. The symptoms of sinusitis may include fever, weakness, tiredness, coughing that is more severe at night and runny nose or nasal congestion. It may also include bad breathe, green nasal discharge and pressure or a headache in eyes, nose or cheek area. Various approaches have been devised to combat this condition. There are medical and natural alternatives that have been found to be effective. As always, home care has always proven to be effective in giving comfort to sinus problems. For one, you can inhale steam to unclog your sinuses. Add a drop of lavender or eucalyptus oil in a pot of water to help make release of trapped mucus faster. I myself have had an episode like this but thanks to steam, I’m now breathing fine. You can also resort to massaging particular spots in your face to stimulate quick relief from facial pains. Eating spicy foods is a surefire way to get those trapped mucus down drain.
|
